Prepare for the second edition of Le Pilgrimage, a gravel journey in the Alps, taking place from September 12th to 17th. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, Le Pilgrimage returns to challenge and inspire a new group of pilgrims in the stunning landscapes surrounding Puy-Saint-Vincent, nestled within the Écrins National Park.
Last year I had an interesting Email in my inbox from Simon Rosmolen.
He was writing me because he knew about me through komoot and he was a freelance editor for them. He was wondering wether gravgrav would be interested in reporting about his event "Le Pilgrimage".
What is Le Pilgrimage?
A gravel event that comes along in 3 stages. The pictures and the routes he sent me captivated me. The french alps are known for it's harsh peaks and vast landscapes. The road passes are famous through the Tour de France.
Le Pilgrimage is a new kind of event, combining the demanding nature of ultraraces with the warmth and camaraderie of a social gathering. “It’s about more than just the challenge,” says Cyril Chermin, co-organiser of the event. “It’s about the shared experience, the stories, and the connections made along the way, much like the journey of Saint Roch.”
Saint Roch, the Saint of the (gravel) Pilgrims
Le Pilgrimage is more than just a cycling event; it’s a journey inspired by the legendary travels of Saint Roch, the patron saint of pilgrims. Known for his arduous pilgrimages through mountainous regions, Saint Roch faced many challenges, from harsh storms to treacherous paths, all while forging deep connections with locals and fellow travelers. The flavors of local cuisines, the camaraderie along the way, and the hope of a safe haven at the end of each day kept Saint Roch going on his Pilgrimage.
Simon Rosmolen, the event’s organizer, captures this vision:
Le Pilgrimage offers a unique blend of adventure, community, and comfort. It’s not a race; it’s a challenging journey shared with like-minded spirits, following in the footsteps of this Saint Roch.
How the gravel pilgrimage works
Each day, the pilgrims embark on self-supported stages through some of the Alps’ most challenging terrain. As they navigate hidden valleys, isolated refuges, and high-altitude mountain lakes, they follow in the footsteps of Saint Roch. The longing for a place of rest at the end of the day is fulfilled at the mountain basecamp, Chalet AlpeLune. Here, pilgrims come together to share stories, build camaraderie, and enjoy nourishing meals prepared by chef Anne Pekelharing.
Highlights of Le Pilgrimage 2024
This year’s stages will highlight the incredible beauty of the Parc National des Écrins, offering views of glaciers, glimpses of hidden valleys, and climbs to some of Europe’s highest mountain passes, like the Col du Galbier. Pilgrims will also experience the best of Italy’s gravel roads, including the challenge of conquering the infamous Strada dell'Assietta. Along the way, they will encounter “treasures” hidden at checkpoints, which serve as small comforts and reminders of the rewards that come with perseverance.
Sign me up for gravel in the French Alps!
This year's edition is full, however keep an eye out on the Le Pilgrimage Instagram and follow the event to get inspired.
It looks like the event will be high up our bucket lists for 2025!
